BEIJING, Dec. 13 -- Early election results in the Indonesian province of Aceh seem point to a former separatist rebel as the next governor there. Residents are looking for someone to bring lasting peace to the war-torn region.

    Aceh held its first direct election for governor and other top posts on Monday. Exit polls showed former Free Aceh Movement rebel spokesman Irwandi Yusuf heading for victory. But Aceh's election commission will only announce the official result in early January.

    Banda Aceh resident, said, "The Acehnese are no longer foolish and will not take any empty promises. The Acehnese wish to prove that we can be in the driving seat, that's why we don't trust others but the Acehnese, so we elected an Acehnese."

    Many of the estimated two million voters who voted on Monday were equally optimistic about Yusuf.

    Two surveys indicated that he topped the field of eight candidates with almost 40 percent of the vote.

    Banda Aceh resident, said, "We want changes ahead. Aceh is still being left behind, especially after the tsunami. Poverty is still rampant and many people are living in barracks. After two years, not much is happening, that's why we want a change."

    The counts indicate that Irawandi Yusuf will be Aceh's next governor, and Muhammad Nazar will be his deputy. So far, each has won 39 percent of the total votes for the positions they are vying for. Yusuf said the road ahead would not be easy.

    Irawandi Yusuf said, "My response is this is the dream of the Acehnese people being fulfilled and they want fundamental change in all aspects of life and governance. It will be a hardwork for me."

    Official results will not be released until January 2, though similar polls known as "quick counts", accurately forecast the result of national elections in Indonesia in 2004.

(Source: CCTV.com)